Anderson University administrative offices will be closed to observe the Christmas holiday beginning Friday, December 20, at 5 p.m. and will re-open on Monday, Dec. 30, at 8 a.m. The university will be closed January 1 for New Year's Day and will reopen Thursday, January 2. Campus security officers will maintain normal hours during the extended holiday.

"Lil' Sibs Weekend is jam-packed with exciting and entertaining things to do for everyone," said Trent Palmer, director of student activities. "From late-night skating to breakfast and cartoons in the dorm lobbies, you will not want to miss any of the fun on the AU campus for Lil' Sibs Weekend!"

The Anderson Symphony Orchestra is bringing back its traditional Christmas Concert, but with a new element this year.

The orchestra will hold its annual performance with guest vocalist Heather Bays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Paramount Theatre.

The symphony will remain pretty traditional with the exception of the new performance, said Dana Stone, ASO executive director. Stone thinks it’s the first time a singer will perform during the Christmas Concert since 2009.

At first glance, a handful of actors on the stage telling the classic tale of George Bailey’s woes with life may seem straightforward and simple, but it’s that simplicity that makes “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” complex.

When you visit Midwestern communities of Anderson’s size, you find that they share common traits but also have unique characteristics.

One major feature that separates some small Midwestern cities from others is the presence — or absence — of higher education. Cities that have four-year colleges or universities just feel different, more alive and more in touch with the future.

Kenny Shepard, an adjunct professor in the dance department at Anderson University, is a veteran performer on the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre stage, as well as Off-Broadway; Branson, Mo.; Disney World and cruise ships.

Anderson University will receive $1 million to enhance and expand opportunities for its graduates to find meaningful employment in Indiana as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Initiative to Promote Opportunities Through Educational Collaborations. The Endowment awarded $62.7 million in grants to Indiana’s 39 accredited colleges and universities through this initiative.